The former forward believes Everton must play like West Brom to get the best out of the forward.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Everton legend Graeme Sharp says his old club must adapt their style to get the best out of Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian striker has started the season strongly for the Blues and currently has seven Premier League goals to his name.

His latest came against West Ham before the international break when he levelled the scores, netting for the seventh straight time against the Hammers.

That feat saw him match a record held by club legend Dixie Dean, but Sharp believes that he could be scoring more for the side if the Blues play more to his strengths.

“He would probably be the first to admit his hold-up play could probably be a bit better but I think we've got to be better for him as well,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“We need to give him more of the service that he wants and requires. When he was on loan at West Brom they played him perfectly, getting balls down to the side to run at defenders and I think that's Rom at his best.”

“Any forward relies on the people around him to create chances whether it's Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley or whoever providing the supply line,” he added.

“I think Rom has come in for a bit of unfair criticism over the past couple of years and people tend to forget that he's still only a young boy even though he's had the physique of a man for a long time.”

Sean Lunt

Sean Lunt is a Journalism and Spanish graduate with a passion for football. As an avid Everton fan he has survived the Walter Smith era, enjoyed the resurgence under David Moyes and is now wholly embracing the Spanish revolution with Roberto Martinez. Away from Everton he follows the rest of the football league and has a particular interest in La Liga.